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Leaders: Born or Made?

Some people believe leaders are born—like just part of the genetic lottery, like being tall or having 3% body fat. But if that were true, why would the Marine Corps spend 13 grueling weeks in boot camp making leaders out of 18-year-olds who, just a few months ago, were asking permission to use the bathroom in high school?

The answer? Leadership isn’t inherited. It’s built. And the United States Marine Corps has been proving that for nearly 250 years. (We have a big anniversary coming up this year.)

From day one in boot camp (and even before if the person was in the Delayed Entry Program), Marines are drilled on 14 leadership traits—core principles designed to shape them into decision-makers, problem-solvers, and battlefield-ready leaders. These aren’t abstract theories. Marine Corps Drill Instructors hardwire them into the DNA of every aspiring Marine.

The 14 Leadership Traits

Want to see what a key pillar of comprehensive leadership training looks like? Let’s take a look at the 14 leadership traits, each with an example of how they play out in action.

1. Justice—Do what’s right, even when it’s hard.

A manager notices that a top performer consistently takes credit for the team’s work. Instead of looking the other way, they call it out and make sure credit is distributed fairly. Leadership means making sure everyone is held to the same standard—no favorites, no excuses.

2. Judgment—Make smart decisions under pressure.

A project deadline gets moved up unexpectedly. The team is panicked. Instead of scrambling, the leader steps back, prioritizes key deliverables, and reallocates resources to hit the new deadline without burning out the team.

3. Dependability—Be the person others can count on.

A team lead never misses a deadline, always comes prepared for meetings, and follows through on commitments. Their colleagues know that if they say they’ll do something, it gets done.

4. Initiative—Step up before being asked.

A junior employee sees an opportunity to automate a tedious manual process. Instead of waiting for permission, they build a prototype and present it to leadership—saving the company hours of work each week.

5. Decisiveness—Hesitation kills momentum. Leaders act.

A client asks for an urgent change in direction. The account manager doesn’t wait for multiple rounds of meetings. They assess the impact, make the call, and move forward—keeping the project on track.

6. Tact—Deliver hard truths without breaking trust.

An executive gives a team some tough feedback on their performance. Instead of embarrassing them in a meeting, they set up a private conversation, clearly explain what needs to improve, and offer support to help them get there.

7. Integrity—Do the right thing, even when no one is watching.

A salesperson catches a billing error in a contract that benefits their company but unfairly charges the client. Instead of ignoring it, they flag it and correct it—because real integrity builds trust, not short-term wins.

8. Enthusiasm—Energy is contagious—make sure yours is worth catching.

A leader walks into a tough project kickoff meeting. Instead of dwelling on the challenges, they rally the team, paint a clear vision of success, and set the tone for engagement. People feed off their energy and rise to the occasion.

9. Bearing—Stay composed under stress.

During a high-stakes client presentation, the technology fails. The presenter doesn’t panic. They pivot, keep their cool, and deliver the pitch flawlessly—earning even more credibility for their composure under pressure.

10. Unselfishness—Put the team first.

A senior leader has an opportunity to take all the credit for a major success. Instead, they shine the spotlight on the team, ensuring their contributions are recognized.

11. Courage—Not the absence of fear, but acting despite it.

A mid-level manager disagrees with the executive team’s direction on a critical strategy. Instead of staying quiet to protect their own position, they respectfully speak up, offering data and insights to push for a better decision.

12. Knowledge—Know your craft inside and out.

A finance director doesn’t just crunch numbers—they understand how the business operates, how competitors are performing, and where the industry is heading. Their expertise makes them a trusted advisor, not just a spreadsheet jockey.

13. Loyalty—Stand by your people—no matter what.

A leader sees their team struggling with burnout. Instead of pushing them harder to meet unrealistic expectations, they advocate for more resources and set better boundaries—proving they’ve got their team’s back.

14. Endurance—Keep going when others quit.

A startup is going through a rough patch. The founder doesn’t bail when things get hard. They double down, pivot where necessary, and push forward—because real leadership means showing up, especially when it’s tough.

Marines even have a neat little way to remember these: JJ DID TIE BUCKLE. After all these years, I can still pull these together.

Leadership Isn’t a Birthright—It’s Built

If leaders were just born, the Marine Corps wouldn’t have spent centuries forging them in fire. Leadership is a skill—trainable, teachable, earned through experience and hundreds of hours of training, and reinforced through accountability and high standards.

So the next time someone gives you an excuse for poor leadership like, “Some people are just natural-born leaders,” ask them this:

If an 18-year-old recruit with zero experience can be molded into a battlefield leader in just a few months—what’s stopping anyone from stepping up?

Leadership isn’t something you have or don’t have. It’s something you choose to develop.

So choose it.

Go get ‘em. 🚀

—Brenden

PS—Next time, we’ll take a look at the Marine Corps 11 Leadership Principles.

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